Applications closed, monitoring for reopening
Applications are not open right now (they last closed June 20, 2026). Many programs like this reopen, so we re-check and update this page. Last verified July 2, 2026.
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Downtown Courtenay Façade Improvement Program
Get a busier storefront with up to $5,000 in matching grant funds for façade and signage upgrades in Courtenay. You pay first, then get reimbursed after the work is done and approved. Note: this intake is currently closed, so monitor for the next one before planning. Verified against the official source on July 2, 2026; applications are closed right now and we watch for reopening.
How we verify funding records →
“The Downtown Courtenay Business Improvement Association (DCBIA) FAÇADE IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM provides grants to property owners and business owners to renovate, restore or redesign their commercial building façades and storefronts in downtown Courtenay, located within the DCBIA boundaries.”
Before you spend a dollar
Get the city's approval BEFORE you start work or buy anything — starting early is the #1 way owners lose this funding.
At a glance
Subject to program rules, available funding, and approval. Confirm current details with the official program administrator.
Not sure if you qualify?
Get a free, 2-minute read on whether this program fits your business. No obligation.
Check your fit →Is this for you?
- You own or operate a business inside the Courtenay BIA zone
- You are planning exterior upgrades like signage, paint, or lighting
- You can secure approval before you start any work or buy materials
Probably not the right fit if
- Your business is located outside the Courtenay BIA area
- You have already started or finished the renovation work
- You need funding for interior improvements rather than the façade
How much you'd realistically get
50% of costs, up to a maximum of $5,000 per project
What may be supported
- Decorative details
- Paint
- Updated signage
- Awnings
- Lighting
- Murals
- Commercial facade / storefront exterior renovation
How applying works
Effort: mediumA city application with quotes/photos; approval before you start, then claim after completion.
- 01Confirm your property is in the program area and funds are available
- 02Get the city's written pre-approval BEFORE starting
- 03Complete the approved work
- 04Submit your costs for reimbursement
Documents commonly required
- Quotes/estimates for the work
- Photos of the current storefront
- Proof of property ownership or owner's consent
How BBN Labs helps
- BBN designs updated signage and murals to refresh your storefront look, coordinating with qualified partners for professional installation that draws more eyes to your business.
- BBN coordinates trades for paint, lighting, awnings, and decorative details so you manage one project instead of juggling multiple contractors for your exterior renovation.
- BBN guides you through the application and deadline process so you don't lose the funding, helping you organize quotes and paperwork for a smooth reimbursement.
What to know before you count on it
- Cost-share: you pay for the work first, then you're reimbursed (about half) after it's done and inspected.
- Apply and get approved BEFORE you start any work or buy anything — starting early disqualifies most of these.
- Area-gated to Courtenay's designated CIP/BIA zone — confirm your address qualifies before you spend.
- Municipal funding is limited each year — confirm money is still available.
What are your odds?
Area-gated and funding-limited, but a straightforward fit if your Courtenay address qualifies and you apply before starting.
What you can combine it with
May combine with provincial/federal programs for the same project — we'll check what stacks.
Get alerted when this changes
Programs open and close, budgets run out, rules change. We send one short email when something changes that matters for this program.
Record last updated June 22, 2026; last verified July 2, 2026 against the official source. Source: official program page.